Census Bureau: Small Business Pulse Survey Phase 4 Weekly Data Released
The U.S. Census Bureau today released new data from the fourth phase of the Small Business Pulse Survey (SBPS). Data collection began Feb. 15. Results will be released weekly Feb. 25 to April 22. The SBPS includes questions on topics such as location closings, changes in employment, disruptions in the supply chain, the use of federal assistance initiatives such…
FEMA: Public Comments Sought on Future Program Delivery Regarding Climate Change and Underserved Communities and Populations
FEMA is seeking public comments on how the agency’s programs deal with climate change and underserved communities and populations. Earlier this year, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. released three executive orders, 13985, 13990 and 14008, requiring agencies to assess existing programs and policies to determine the following: If agency programs and policies perpetuate systemic barriers to opportunities and benefits…
HUD: Proposed Rule Withdrawn and Commitment Reaffirmed to Equal Access to Housing, Shelters, and Other Services Regardless of Gender Identity
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia L. Fudge on Thursday announced that HUD is withdrawing the previous administration’s proposed rule that would have weakened the Equal Access Rule. The Equal Access Rule ensures that all individuals – regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity-have equal access to the Department’s Office of…
SBA: First-of-its-Kind Technology Initiative for Restaurant Revitalization Fund Announced
Point-of-sale service providers will support eligible restaurant owners with innovative technology solutions The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today the first round of technology partners participating in a new initiative for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) – a program that will allow eligible restaurants and other food establishments to access the RRF application or data they need…
EDA: $5.5 Million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance Invested to Provide Business Capital and Boost Broadband Capacity in Texas
Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $5.5 million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance grants to help the state of Texas prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. “President Biden remains steadfast in his support of small businesses as they build back better from the…
EDA: $3.5 Million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance Invested for Infrastructure Improvements and Business Capital Support in New Mexico
Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $3.5 million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance grants to help the state of New Mexico prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. “President Biden is committed to supporting New Mexico communities as they build back better from the…
FHFA: Extension of COVID-19 Related Loan Flexibilities Announced
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced today that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) will extend some temporary loan origination flexibilities until May 31, 2021. All temporary flexibilities were originally set to expire on April 30, 2021. Alternative appraisals on purchase and rate-term refinance loans are among the flexibilities that will now be…
ABA: Bank Volunteers Encourage Saving for the Unexpected on 2021 Teach Children to Save Day
Bank employees across the country will bring financial education to more than 70,000 K-8 students as part of the ABA Foundation’s Teach Children to Save Day on April 22. The annual event is a centerpiece of the banking industry’s longstanding commitment to youth financial education. Since 1997, the ABA Foundation’s financial education initiatives have reached 11.6 million…
HUD: Federal Housing Administration Standard Single Family Servicing Policies Revised
Updates to Single Family Handbook policies strengthen loss mitigation approaches for struggling borrowers while streamlining key requirements for servicers The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) today announced the publication of its update to the Servicing and Loss Mitigation section of the FHA Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1. This update streamlines many standard operational requirements for mortgage servicers, including revising…